High Tea in Sydney

February in Sydney. Typically the steamiest month - both in terms of the high humidity and, of course, Valentine’ Day. What better way to pass the time in February than sampling one (or a few) of the gourmet High Teas on offer! Perfect for a daylight date, or even just to escape the heat.

If you want the classic, traditional High Tea experience, head to the Intercontinental Sydney. Their summer menu draws on the array of fresh fruits available, as well as lashings of chocolate, caramel, and coconut. The combination of sweet and savoury will have you licking your lips, and is accompanied by a selection of handpicked Ronnefeldt teas, and a glass of sparkling on arrival. High Tea is on 11am-4pm weekdays, and a buffet version is available on weekends 12:30- 2pm, or 3- 4:30pm.

If you’re heading in on a weekend though, why not try out high tea’s darker alternative: High Coffee. Available weekends only from 11am-4pm, High Coffee offers richer, deeper flavours. Start off with an Espresso Martini, then work your way through the rest of the menu. The sweet and savoury items are paired with specific Vittoria blends, designed to elevate the flavours and create a true sensorial experience.

The Intercontinental Double Bay has some more variations. Aside from their Signature High Tea, they’ve also got an unmissable Oriental High Tea (same elegant tiered stands, only fewer sandwiches and more dumplings), and a Children’s High Tea, complete with fairy bread, toasties, hot chocolate, and other house-made treats.

If you want to leave the kids at home and experience something truly special, head to KOI Dessert Bar in Chippendale. It’s not exactly a High Tea, but their Just Desserts menu is definitely in the same vein. The offerings vary, but you can be sure you’re in for a whole four courses of delicious creativity served up on a plate.

Happy eating!

- Liv Steigrad for Ruby’s Residences.